AWKWARD! Lineker addresses elephant in room with cheeky quip

As Germany led Didier Deschamps’ France side 1-0 during half time of their World Cup quarter-final, former England striker Lineker took it upon himself to engage in a bit of ‘banter’ by divulging in his co-stars’ difficult former relationship.

Sitting opposite Lineker were Gullit and Shearer, who were part of the same Newcastle side during their infamous 1998-99 Premier League season – the Dutchman in charge of the Magpies, with Shearer their talismanic striker.

And it was during one particular fixture that season which Lineker cheekily alluded to.

Complimenting Deschamps’s management skills in having the nerve to drop big-name players, Lineker asked whether Gullit had done such a thing during his managerial career.

The cheeky presenter was, of course, hinting to a time when the Dutchman dropped Shearer for a huge derby against fierce rivals Sunderland - a decision which was, unsurprisingly, met with huge outrage and controversy.

As TV viewers across the country held their collective breath, unsure as to what the reaction would be from both men, an awkward pause was followed - thankfully for everyone - by raucous laughter.

Recalling the matter, the pair fell about laughing, both red-faced, but the awkwardness could not have been avoided. How would they have both reacted had the cameras not been on them?

Great scenes on BBC. Gullit sat next to Shearer. Gullit sacked by Newcastle after leaving Shearer out. Lineker brings it up. #comfortable